Gault & Millau UAE

The highly anticipated Ramen Hisa opened in May, bringing the authentic flavours and skill of traditional ramen to Dubai. Master Chef Hisao Ueda and the award-winning TakaHisa team created the new restaurant at Dubai Opera, making it a convenient option for lunch or pre-show dining in Downtown Dubai. It seats just 28 customers and features a curated design inspired by a traditional Japanese home. Guests remove their shoes at the entrance and sit on tatami floors, dining as people do in Japan.

Trèsind Studio, named Gault&Millau UAE Restaurant of the Year 2026, will host a one-night-only dining event focused on innovation, presenting a selection of entirely new dishes debuting on the menu. Led by Gault&Millau UAE Chef of the Year 2026, Himanshu Saini, and the Trèsind Studio team, and featuring ingredients from 1004 Gourmet, this event offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the restaurant’s next culinary chapter.

KUTO became the UAE’s first Japanese knife shop when Keisuke and Fumie Kutomi, a husband-and-wife team, opened it in 2021. Five years ago, KUTO started as a small pop-up shop while the world was recovering from COVID. Today, it is one of the UAE’s most popular spots for Japanese knives and kitchen products. The shop offers a wide range of high-quality knives and is well known among chefs and restaurants in the area.

Chef Spencer Metzger will soon open a new bistro called Chez Rose in London’s Mayfair, teaming up with well-known restaurateurs Jason and Irha Atherton. The news was shared on social media, and the restaurant is set to open in early June. Metzger hinted at a new London project two months ago, showing his continued dedication to growing his presence in the city. Working with the Athertons, who have run the Social Company since 2011, is an important move for Metzger.

Pierre’s TT at InterContinental Dubai Festival City has unveiled a new five-course tasting menu, offering fine dining enthusiasts a chance to experience its award-winning three-toque cuisine. Created by chef patron Pierre Gagnaire with chef de cuisine Mathieu Balbino, and priced at AED 590 per person, the experience takes diners on a contemporary journey through modern European gastronomy.

ICD Brookfield Place has announced the return of Cocktail Week, scheduled from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 17, 2026. This year marks the fourth edition of Cocktail Week, which highlights the region’s mixology talent and craftsmanship while enhancing the venue’s status as a premier destination for culinary and cultural experiences.

Moonrise, the acclaimed three-toque multi-awarded chef’s table in Dubai, has unveiled a new six-course tasting menu inspired by the city’s diverse street food culture. Priced at AED 500 per person, this innovative menu launches on May 6, with bookings now available. The introduction of this menu marks a pivotal evolution for the 15-seat establishment and reflects chef Solemann Haddad’s ongoing exploration of what constitutes Dubai cuisine.

TakaHisa is set to open Ramen Hisa, a ramen-focused restaurant at Dubai Opera, on May 7, 2026. The acclaimed, three-toque Japanese restaurant is launching Ramen Hisa, a 28-seat spot inspired by the feel of a traditional Japanese home. Here, ramen is treated as more than just comfort food – it is prepared thoughtfully and with attention to detail. According to the restaurant, “Rather than relying on excess, Ramen Hisa focuses on aroma, initial temperature, evolving texture and lingering finish.

TakaHisa, the esteemed three-toque Japanese restaurant recognised by Gault&Millau UAE, has unveiled a collaboration with celebrated chef Taku Watanabe, known for his leadership at the award-winning Hakuba in Paris and TAKU Sushi in London. The partnership is set to deliver an exclusive culinary experience featuring the expertise of three master chefs over three days from April 28 to 30.

VNTG Grape & Cheese Society is now open at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, presenting a refreshing approach to wine appreciation in Business Bay. The new venue aims to redefine the wine bar experience on emphasising curation, transparency and a relaxed environment, appealing to both wine enthusiasts and casual guests. VNTG embraces a philosophy that prioritises a serious approach to wine while maintaining a casual atmosphere.